The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1887-08-12
THE RAPPAHANNOCk.

AIUeT CeuHr ItuI, WndI ueACs
The base of operations of the Union army
of the east was now the Rappahannock river.
After Cedar Run, Pope gradually withdrew
his army to the Rappahannocks north bank,
leaving it between himself and the Confed-
crates. Meantime Lee massed his whole
army around Jackson, between the Kappa
hammock and the Rapidan, 5000 strong.
He was led to this by curious incident
which shows on what small things great
events turn. The Confederate Col. Mosby
had been prisoner of war, but had been ex.
changed early in August. On the way to
Richmond he passed Fortress Monroe. He
saw there Burnsides troops embarking for
some place Wheres By means known to
himself, he found out it was the Rappahan-
mock. The moment he set foot on the shore
below Richmond, he hurried to Gen. Lee and
told him. By relays of galloping couriers,
Lee dispatched the word to Jackson on the
Rapidan.
The Federal cat was now out of the bag.
Burnside's corps had been sent for from
North Carolina to swell the Army of Vir-
ginia, and not to REINFORCE Mcclellan on
the James, At the same time reports reached
Richmond that McClellan's army wasNseav-
ing the peninsula.
McClellan's army had not reached Freder-
icksburg, on the way to join Pope, when
Aug. 20) Lees s., 900 men, himself command.
ing in person, faced Pope's army of sonie-
thing over 10000 on the Rappahannock. Pope
was on the north side, Lee on the south, at
tempting to cross. Pope's watchfulness pre-
vented however. Pope, knowing Lees
greater numbers, could not attack. He called
loudly for re-enforcements, which were prom
ised him certainly by Aug. 20.
Both Lee and Pope were meditating hostile
movements when, on the night OF Aug. g. a
tremendous rainstorm came, which stopped
efforts to cross the river by either army But
on that night another of the odd, small Incl
dents which determine great events happened.
Pope's headquarters were at Catlet's Station,
ten miles behind the center Of his line. The
daring Confederate cavalryman, Stuart
selected that night for raid. He had crossed
the Rappahannock before the storm. He
swept around to the Federal rear and charged
directly upon Pope's headquarters. There
were confusion and wild fleeing Pope him
self escaped, leaving hat and coat behind him.
His dispatch book was captured, however.
That was all Lee wanted to give him most
accurate information, and the result shows
he made good use of it. negro guided
Stuart's cavalry to Pope's tent.
The raid was begun Aug. Is. Jackson hur-
ried quickly up the south bank of the Kappa
hammock, crossed it above Pope's army, and
FASTENED north to Thoroughfare Gap, through
which the railroad from Strasburg to Alex
andria passed. His soldiers were called the
"Foot cavalry" on account of the speed they
had attained in marching. On their right
went the indOmitable j. r. b Stuart with
all his cavalry. Swiftly, silently they
marched, like the spirit of destruction.
"Don't shout, boys; the Yankees will hear
us, said Jackson.
Lee formed the bold plan of crossing the
Rappahannock, getting in Pope's rear, and
cutting him off. from Washington. For this
difficult and dangerous task he selected one
who had been proved to be the bravest,
most reliable officer in his army,
Stonewall Jackson.
Gen Rnfus King was a grandson of the Rtft,s